FarmLinks at Pursell Farms

My handicap is currently (a very generous) 11.9. Farmlinks recommends players with a 1-5 handicap play the Copperhead tee’s and 7-15 play the whitetail’s. So guess what I did?

I found Farmlinks to be every bit of its 73.0 rating from the Copperhead’s. I shot what was probably my best round in several years, and still couldn’t do any better than an 87. The back nine bit me early and often as I took 3 penalty strokes on the first 5 holes. Other than that, though, I manage bogey golf most of the way with a smattering of pars (I never even seriously challenged for a birdie).

There are plenty of good golf shots to be made on this course and some aww inspiring vista from various tee boxes. I’m not sure anything eclipses the view from the 180 yard 17th tee box, shooting down at a green completely protected in front by a large pond (large enough to appear to be more of a river from the tee box. Even this shot, though, can be made relatively safe if you take enough club as there is a backstop hill to corral any shots that run a little long.

Unless you are playing the Longhorn tee’s (nearly 500 yards longer than the more-than-challenging-enough Copperheads) Farmlinks is reasonable in length (6970 from where I played, 6457 from the tee’s recommended for my handicap) and difficulty. It will challenge you without compromising your outing with undue frustration. With 6 sets of tee’s there is a course for everyone here. This is especially true because most of the greens are not overly protected with the course using distance and angles to add difficulty to the more challenging tee boxes.

While challenging, the thing that really struck me about Farmlinks was its simple beauty. Every hole feels more “crafted” than “designed” and the care and maintenance that is put into the course is obvious at every turn. Course conditions were as close to perfect as I can imagine, and the layout is terrific as well. Going out first was an absolute treat as it felt as though we had the course all to ourselves, and it’s not often you get that feeling on a course this breathtaking.

When people talked to me about Pursell Farms they spoke of being made to feel like a guest, or even family, rather than a patron. After spending a day on the farm, I completely understand where this impression comes from. Various members of the staff made their way over to us at different times while we were there and inquired about our experience at Farmlinks; however, beyond that, they also asked about us. We left Pursell Farms feeling like I had just come from a visit. The course is great, but Farmlinks is more of an “experience” than a round of golf.

We will almost certainly return, probably to stay a few days on the properly itself.

A little pricey for having to play cart path only and most traps weren't raked and we teed off after 12pm. For the money. We'll played elsewhere.

If you have never been to Pursell Farms to play FarmLinks, you need to schedule your trip now. Great layout, good food and lodging options and even sporting clays and upland bird hunting make this a fantastic destination.

An amazing experience and beautiful course. One of the best courses I've ever played. From Texas but will definitely be back to play this course again

Course was totally fantastic. Friendly staff. Highly recommend

Beautiful grounds with an amazing staff! Passing through the area and had a chance to play here. Greens were punched somewhat recently, but rolled well, winter conditions very good, bunkers amazing. Chilled apples at the starter and the views from the 5th Hole - worth the price of admission. With a HotDeal it was a great value, even with winter conditions. Would love to come back in the fall when the leaves are turning.

It had rained the day before so it was a bit wet and the course drains well so that wasn't really an issue, but it was the small things. They didn't over seed any tee boxes or fairways so they looked dead since it is winter. This place usually does everything over the top so that was a surprise. Also, the greens had been punched recently which seems really late for it being winter already, so they weren't rolling that great since the grass isn't growing that much right now. Like I said, it was smaller things, but it's stuff you would never expect from a place like this.

This course has one of the best and professional folks. Especially the starter the day we played.

From the time we passed through the gates, we were already building expectations of what lies ahead. The winding roads, manicured intersections, and beautifully arranged flowers made us feel special. Everything was well put together and made you feel at home. The staff was warm and very engaging. As for the links, simply put, a blast! I don’t recall seeing a car drive by the entire front nine. There are at least three “Kodak Moments” holes. You have to have your camera ready to remember moments like these. The greens were rolling slower this day, but I can see them speeding up quite nicely any given day. They rolled true and were consistent. One of the funnest courses I’ve played and definitely plenty of room for forgiveness off the tee box. Play it, you won’t regret it.

We played FarmLinks on our 25th Anniversary for $25. Have receipts to prove it. The staff moved our tee time so we were the first group out and played in less than 3 hours. Had a nice lunch in the Pub/Grill and made it back to Birmingham before the rain washed out the remainder of the day.

Pursell farms is a place like no other. The condition of the course and how the staff treats guests is world class. I cannot wait to come back. Everyone should experience Pursell Atleast once in their life